Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics & Prototyping

National Robotics Engineering Center; Anantnag; On-site; INR 8,596,000 - 12,416,000; Full time

Job summary

National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) is seeking a versatile Mechatronics Engineer with strong mechanical design and rapid prototyping skills. You will own the lifecycle of designs from concept to assembly, wiring, and testing, delivering bespoke robotic systems and unique enclosures.

You will balance speed and engineering rigor while collaborating with a lean robotics team. Open to versatile experience levels, we value curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on execution across projects at

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years of engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling with a portfolio of built projects.
• Experience with mechanical assembly and wiring harnesses.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical architecture and detailed design of custom robotic systems, end-effectors, and enclosures.
• Rapid prototyping using 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and traditional fabrication methods.
• Full build ownership including assembly and wiring of mechanical designs.
• Testing and electronics debugging with basic tools to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Scope and explore ambiguous requests, evaluate constraints, and communicate trade-offs before execution.

Skills

Mechanical design

Prototyping

Electrical wiring

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field)

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Onshape

Job description

Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics & Prototyping

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. Members of our technical staff collaborate closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization.

As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development.

We operate in the exciting space between pure academic research and full-scale commercial production. As a lean, agile robotics applied research team, we don't just assemble off-the-shelf parts-we build bespoke, intelligent robotic systems from the ground up. Our core focus lies at the intersection of mechanical design, machine vision, computing, and deep sensor integration. Because we are a small operation, everyone here wears multiple hats. We value adaptability, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit just as much as technical prowess.

We are seeking a versatile Mechatronics Engineer with a heavy emphasis on mechanical design, rapid prototyping, and hands-on system integration. In this role, your job doesn't end at the CAD screen. You will own the lifecycle of your designs - from initial brainstorming and modeling to physical assembly, wiring, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Many of our projects require deep exploration before a single part is machined. You will need to balance the need for speed with the appropriate level of engineering rigor, knowing when to build a "quick and dirty" proof-of-concept and when to design for high reliability.

• Bespoke Mechanical Design: Lead the mechanical architecture and detailed design of custom robotic systems, specialized end-effectors, and unique enclosures.
• Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication: Bring concepts to life quickly using 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and traditional fabrication methods.
• Full Build Ownership (Assembly & Wiring): Physically assemble your mechanical designs and handle the neat, reliable routing of electrical wiring and wire harnesses.
• Testing & Electronics Debugging: Take a lead role in bring-up and testing. Bring a working familiarity with basic electronics debugging (using multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.) to isolate and resolve hardware issues.
• Scope & Explore: Take ambiguous, high-level requests, investigate the constraints, and communicate technical trade-offs before diving into execution.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field) or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of engineering experience
• Open to a range of experience levels (from motivated junior engineers with the right mindset to seasoned veterans). What matters most is your approach to solving problems and your willingness to get your hands dirty
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape) paired with a portfolio of physical things you have actually built.
• Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and designing for custom fabrication over relying solely on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components.
• Practical experience with mechanical assembly, hand tools, and a solid understanding of structural fits and tolerances.
• Functional knowledge of electronics - comfort reading schematics, soldering, fabricating wiring harnesses, and diagnosing basic electrical faults.

Why NREC?

Join our talented team at NREC where you will have a direct impact on operations and meaningful projects as you collaborate with experts and build your career helping solve industrial and government challenges and deploying technology to real world operations.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

National Robotics Engineering Center
10 40th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Carnegie Mellon University